Kent attractions offer free entry and exclusive events as part of the National Lottery Open Week 2025

Kent castles, museums, nature reserves and gardens will be opening their doors for the price of a lottery ticket or scratchcard this month.

The National Lottery Open Week returns, giving visitors a chance to spend the day at huge attractions all over the country for as little as £1.

The week-long scheme sees the likes of Walmer Castle, Sissinghurst Castle Garden and Leeds Castle slash entry prices for visitors as long as they can show a lottery ticket, physical or digital scratchcard, or an Instant Win Game on the door.

The annual event aims to celebrate heritage sites and historical landmarks funded by the National Lottery and to thank the players who have raised more than £30m for good causes.

More than 500 locations across the country participated last year by offering discounted entry, special events and behind-the-scenes tours.

This year, English Heritage sites, including Dover Castle, Richborough Roman Fort and Walmer Castle, and National Trust locations such as Smallhythe Place, Knole, Emmetts Garden, Chartwell, Ightham Mote, Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst Castle Garden are all offering free admission with a lottery ticket.

It’s not just free entry – there’s also exclusive offers, such as a free cooked breakfast at community hub Fusion Maidstone, a preview screening of new film The Penguin Lessons at the Town Hall in Folkestone, and a talk on filming locations in Thanet at the Palace Cinema in Broadstairs.

You can find the full list of participating venues and offer details here.

The National Lottery Open Week takes place from Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, March 23.